Stephanie Anne Marie Purdy

Stephanie practices at Massage Addict, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Niagara Health - St. Catharines Site and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Dynamic, hands-on bodywork based on TCM principles of meridians and acupoints to correct structural misalignments, improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain, and restore energetic harmony and balance.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): Gentle and penetrating heat therapy with mugwort to strengthen the body's vital energy, improve circulation, turn breech babies (when applied to a specific point), and relieve chronic pain or fatigue.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: A key TCM diagnostic method where the tongue is meticulously examined as a microsystem map reflecting your body's internal health and specific imbalances.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Stephanie, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered Acupuncturists in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Massage Addict, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Stephanie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• By addressing the root energetic imbalances related to wanting to support my body's natural detoxification processes, Stephanie helps patients work towards experiencing more regular, balanced, and manageable menstrual cycles with substantially reduced PMS or PMDD symptoms, facilitating a return to cherished activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity.
• The journey to an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements when faced with digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea (IBS-like symptoms) can be supported by Stephanie's expertise in acupuncture and TCM, often leading to a more comfortable and active return to pastimes like playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness.
• With Stephanie, an Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, individuals with skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives are guided towards enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance to enjoy planning and participating in future events with confidence in their health and well-being again with greater zest.
• The path to overcoming seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable and achieving clearer breathing, reduced sinus congestion, and improved respiratory function is often clearer with TCM. Stephanie guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with improved health.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Stephanie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Stephanie practices at Massage Addict, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Niagara Health - St. Catharines Site and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

Does Massage Addict offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Acupuncture/TCM services?

Yes, Massage Addict typically offers direct billing for services provided by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac) and Registered TCM Practitioners (R.TCMP) to major private insurers. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance details and confirm specific coverage, such as for acupuncture, herbal consultations, herbs, annual maximums, per-visit limits, or referral requirements, directly with their insurer. Patients are responsible for any non-covered portions.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang, helping to address a wide range of health concerns by restoring harmony and promoting long-term wellness.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy flowing throughout the body, responsible for physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence Qi flow and restore balance.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points (acupoints) on the body to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions such as digestion and hormones, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being by activating the body's natural healing processes.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage requirements.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. It is recommended to review private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some level of coverage for these services, though the extent varies widely.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Insertion typically causes little to no discomfort, often described as a tiny prick. Many patients report feeling sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a sense of heaviness, which are signs of Qi activation. Most find acupuncture to be relaxing. Registered practitioners follow strict safety protocols, using only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

Massage Addict
111 Fourth Ave.
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3P5

Phone: (905) 397-7179

Stephanie Anne Marie Purdy is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=9e5e7820-e364-e811-810b-005056a97495

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.